How to prepare before dental surgery
Preparation begins well before you sit in the chair. Your Luna Clinic advisor helps you get organised, while all clinical decisions remain with your independent partner surgeon.
- Consult and share your records. Before your operation you review your dental health with your Luna Clinic advisor and raise any concerns. You may be asked to provide x-rays or clinical photos. Without x-rays only a general plan can be offered, and it may change after a full examination at the partner clinic.
- Discuss anaesthesia in advance. General anaesthesia is available at extra cost for implant surgery, but it requires approval from an anaesthesiologist. If you prefer general anaesthesia, tell your consultant early so the necessary tests can be arranged before you travel. General anaesthesia is not used for crowns or other routine treatments.
- Dress and prepare for the day. Wear comfortable clothes and a sleeveless or short-sleeved shirt, and remove contact lenses, jewellery and watches before the procedure.
- Pause alcohol and smoking. Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 24 hours before the procedure to support healing and reduce infection risk.
- Clean your mouth and use the restroom. Brush your teeth and rinse thoroughly to lower the risk of infection, and use the restroom about 30 minutes before surgery.
- Get your aftercare ready. Prepare soft foods and cold packs at your accommodation so recovery essentials are waiting for you afterwards.
What to have ready for your dental surgery
Having a few essentials prepared makes your appointment and recovery easier.
- Any dental x-rays and clinical photos you already have.
- A full list of your current medications, allergies and medical conditions.
- Comfortable clothing with a sleeveless or short-sleeved top.
- Soft foods and cold packs ready at your accommodation for aftercare.
- Your travel documents and Luna Clinic coordination details.
Without recent x-rays, only a general treatment plan can be offered. The plan may be adjusted after a full examination at the partner clinic, and all clinical decisions are made by your independent partner surgeon.
What happens on the day
Your dentist will use local anaesthesia to numb the area, though in some cases general anaesthesia may be applied. The procedure could involve wisdom teeth removal, gum surgery or dental implants, and its length depends on how complex the treatment is. Afterwards you will receive recovery instructions, which may include pain medication, antibiotics and a list of foods to avoid.
Recovery and aftercare
Recovery is a crucial part of the process. Rest and avoid strenuous activity based on your dentist’s advice. It is normal to experience some swelling, soreness and mild bleeding in the first days. Follow these aftercare steps:
- Apply gentle pressure on the surgical area with damp gauze to encourage clotting.
- Take prescribed medications exactly as directed, and note that antibiotics can interfere with birth control.
- Avoid alcohol for a few days, especially while taking painkillers or antibiotics.
- Use ice packs during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
- After 48 hours, rinse gently with a saltwater solution to keep the area clean.
- Avoid smoking and tobacco for at least 72 hours.
- Rest, limit physical activity and elevate your head to minimise swelling.
- Stick to soft, cold foods during the first few days of recovery.
- Attend follow-up appointments so your surgeon can monitor progress.
Attend your follow-up appointments so your surgeon can monitor healing and support the best possible outcome.